Gardens and Parks

Juan Ponce de León set foot ashore in 1513 and gave the land its name, La Florida, the flowery land. This name was in part because Ponce de León ‘s landing was during the spring season – during Pascua Florida, or Flowery Easter, celebrated in Spanish Catholicism – as well as the incredible natural beauty of our state. You too can experience Florida’s natural beauty year-round in our botanical gardens, as well as in our national and state parks and preserves, showcasing collections of native and exotic plants.